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Intermittent Starting Problems - Mysterious Cause Identified and Fixed
Evo GeneralDiscuss any generalized technical Evo related topics that may not fit into the other forums.
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Intermittent Starting Problems - Mysterious Cause Identified and Fixed
If you've gone through the entire thread, then you've seen that the problem may not be the switch itself, but may be the switch rotates just slightly out of position when you turn the key, and simply changing the switch will not resolve the issue. Also in this thread is discussion concerning the starter relay where rotation of the switch is determined not to be the problem. I suggest carefully reading through this discussion to understand the starter circuit and the various potential causes of this issue, which can otherwise keep one scratching his head for a considerable period of time.
I might have missed that part about the relay. The only thing I don’t understand is even if it is the relay, wouldnt that only prevent the car from cranking and starting up? The ignition and accessories would still work, but wouldn’t be able to start the car, correct? My ignition doesnt seem to do anything when the key is turned in any position.
I might have missed that part about the relay. The only thing I don’t understand is even if it is the relay, wouldnt that only prevent the car from cranking and starting up? The ignition and accessories would still work, but wouldn’t be able to start the car, correct? My ignition doesnt seem to do anything when the key is turned in any position.
This discussion concerns a situation where all electrics work normally with the key in the "ON" position, but the starter itself cannot be engaged by turning the key. If I'm understanding your situation correctly, this is not the case, which tells us you have an electrical issue elsewhere, and the elements of this discussion likely do not apply. As always, the first places to begin troubleshooting electrics are the fuse/relay panels. Also, if you do not already have a pdf copy of the service manual (contains electrical diagrams), that is a very helpful reference in these situations.
TedB, I see this is an old af post, but you just made my day and saved me I don't know how many dollars and hours! 15 mins and everything works as should and remote start is flawless now. YOU DA MAN! FYI this is for the great info at the top of the thread.
TedB you are my hero im sure you hear this all the damn time keep up the awesome work appreciate everything you've wrote up your a gentlemen and a scholar!
I will send you a pack of beers if this fixes my issue! I have been dealing with this issue for about 3 years now! It's embarrassing to have a nice car that won't even start! It's mostly happening during summers here in AZ. I've gone thru batteries and starters and still no luck! Lately, it's been happening a lot and sometimes rocking the car back and forth will finally starts the car. Like many, I also have an alarm with a kill switch. I will inspect the starter switch as you described and will come back with my results. Thank you for the informative post!
The EXACT same symptoms and remedies. If this thread is still alive, you get a pack of beers if this fixes my issue!
Just go through my posts in this discussion carefully, and you'll get it licked. As for all those beers I'm owed, one day I am coming to collect!
Still in shock, similar to others experiencing the resolution to these set of symptoms.
Followed the clear, concise steps as laid out.
Engine no-start on key turn. Removed steering column covers. Ignition switch in mint condition appearance (Evo IX, 160k miles). No discernable play in installation, screw was noticeably not-tight.
Engine start on palmed ignition.
Inspected wires/connections and reinstalled switch with suggested tension tips.
10+ consecutive starts with 1 minute run-time intervals.
93 degree weather today, immediate engine start on key turn.
Will continue to monitor and report.
Similar to all the others, I too have a Intermittent starting issue with my 09 GTS lancer. Had to replace computer and starter and now having issue. once and a while it will start and when it does it runs fine. If I remove ignition switch and actuate with screw driver it will not always work. it sometimes clicks at relay; sometimes starter engages then disengages and sometimes it will start. So random. Seems the ignition switch is sending 12Vs through switch ok to the orange wire. i can also manually activate the starter relay and starter engages fine - so battery and starter are good. I cannot find the issue. Car is stock. To me it aeems to be down stream of the ign switch and before the relay. It is a automatic 2.4L with FAST key. Note I do have a service U0100 code which I cannot clear and likely from the new ECM which I am taking in to get reprogrammed to recognize VIN etc. Seems that the relay looses signal and I can sometimes see contact sparks when I pull the relay cover. Could it be the ECM causing these Intermittent issues? any advice would amazing. I have spent hours and tearing apart stuff. Worried will damage the starter or ignition turning it 100s of times. Thx.
Symptoms
A vehicle may experience a number of symptoms under the U0100 code. The check engine light will illuminate and the vehicle may stutter or stall. The vehicle may also completely shut down or not restart. After sitting idle for some time, it may start again. However, it would be risky to operate due to the possibility of another shut-down.
Other symptoms may be an increase in fuel consumption or a lack of power.
Thanks Patrick. I am assuming I need a reprogram since I swapped computers. Old computer was assumed toasted because it wouldn’t ever turn over or enable the starter relay. The rad fan automatically ran on key power. I also noticed this as some sort of default mode when certain relays are pulled from fuse panel in the engine bay. Fans would run on key turn. Eg). The AT relay. The throttle relay. Etc.
I guess we can start with a factory reprogram with MUT.
I tried several different relays when I was having problems just to see if quality control was a problem. I am skeptical of why this OE replacement would be anything special aside from printing "HD" on the box. Since adding a much beefier relay as I described in post #148 (which was cheap and easy to do), the issue has been completely resolved and has not returned (FYI).
did the OE replacements work for a time or no improvement?
This seems physically bigger in size. I'll post a pic when i get a hold of it.
I do want to try a few other options first before I go the standard relay. I dont want to add dongle/wires just yet... I just sorted all my engine bay wirings. The contacts inside the relay matters, just like spark plugs, any type of spark can degrade the conductors, copper/brass would be in the lower quality side. Some use cadmium free silver alloys. This (also seems bigger) may be an upgraded version of what i have in my car
